A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Bali or Milford Sound?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Milford Sound can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a frequented, spiritual, and cultural island. Bali is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Bali travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a breathtaking, world renowned, and remote fiord. You'll find world class beauty in Milford Sound as well. And you can't forget about the skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Bali and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bali. Although Bali and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Bali has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bali is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing and hiking. Bali is more touristy than Milford Sound and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also home to Pura Lempuyang. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Bali different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milford Sound and Bali. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Bali or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Bali is not a skiing destination.

People head to Milford Sound specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Bali is not a skiing destination.

Is the Food Better in Bali or Milford Sound? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Bali, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Bali or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

Bali has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Bali or Milford Sound Better for Resorts?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Bali for its luxury resorts. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Milford Sound Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Bali offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

Many people visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Milford Sound?

Bali is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bali. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bali or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Bali and Milford Sound are somewhat similar when it comes to the first-rate scenery.

You'll find world class beauty in Bali as well. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning countryside. It's also a very cultural island with a lot of spirituality.

Milford Sound is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Is Bali or Milford Sound Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Bali or Milford Sound.

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Milford Sound. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Bali or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Bali is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Couples visit Milford Sound frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Is Bali or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Bali, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Bali or Milford Sound Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bali is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Bali has some public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Public transit is generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Bali or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Bali is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

Milford Sound is not a walkable island. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Bali Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Bali?

How long in Bali or Milford Sound?

Bali and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bali than Milford Sound because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 7-14 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Bali than Milford Sound. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bali, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bali than Milford Sound. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bali that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Milford Sound if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bali.

One day in Bali or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the frequented destination of Bali. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the destination of Milford Sound. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Milford Sound is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the spiritual destination of Bali. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the remote destination of Milford Sound. This fiord offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bali or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful island of Bali. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The iconic fiord of Milford Sound offers skiing. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bali is in Asia and Milford Sound is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Milford Sound would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milford Sound than you might in Bali.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bali Expensive? and Is Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bali or Milford Sound?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 930 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Milford Sound, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.